In the realm of Information Technology/Systems, the pursuit of upgrading and scalability is constant. Have you ever considered applying this mindset of scaling and upgrading to yourself? It's time to view yourself as an amalgamation of tools ready for expansion and improvement.
Formal learning can get obstructed by life's demands, yet it's essential not to halt your personal development. Our world continuously evolves, we must find a way to adapt alongside it. It's common to encounter professionals across any field who have allowed their skills to become obsolete. They earned the necessary knowledge to embark on their career paths, learned the intricacies of their specific roles, and then ceased to progress further. I once found myself working with a computer technician who earned their degree in 1995 but found themselves outpaced by technological advancements beyond Windows XP when I met them in 2014. By 2017, the team found themselves putting extra effort to compensate for the shortcomings of one member who struggled with complex assignments, ultimately ending in their reassignment to tasks outside of IT. The neglect to modernize and enhance their skill set not only hindered their own contributions but also introduced vulnerabilities and inefficiencies within the work environment.
So, what does it mean to upgrade yourself? Reflect on the learning processes you've been through your entire life. Mastery doesn't happen instantaneously; it begins with foundational knowledge, built upon with time and effort. In the context of Information Technology, this principle remains. Starting with the fundamentals you've acquired, it's about continuously building new skills and expanding your expertise. Learn one thing now and learn another later, it is that simple. While it's unrealistic to master every emerging technology, focusing on understanding the basics of a select few can significantly broaden your capabilities. Every technological advancement spawns numerous paths and opportunities, rooted in a basic comprehension of the subject. The basics of mathematics lies in the fundamental relationships between numbers, so too does the growth in any field you begin with understanding its core principles.
Every new path of knowledge offers an opportunity to establish foundational understanding. Choose any subject that piques your interest. For this discussion, let's select Artificial Intelligence (AI). To start, we turn to the internet, our gateway to a wealth of resources that emerge alongside new technological branches. Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. Grasping this fundamental concept allows you to progress to more advanced knowledge layers.
The narrative of "Catch Me If You Can" showcases Frank Abagnale Jr., who manages to teach a highschool course by staying just one chapter ahead of his students. This strategy exemplifies the simplest form of self-improvement: maintaining a knowledge gap, however small, between yourself and others. The key is to widen this gap deliberately, pushing yourself beyond the current limits. While it's unrealistic to aim for global supremacy in knowledge, striving to be recognized and respected for your expertise among your peers is achievable through mastering the basics. The motto here is to always stay one chapter ahead.
As you navigate the process of self-enhancement, it's crucial to understand how to scale these efforts, especially concerning your life and career. Learning the basics of mathematics, for instance, introduces you to the broader realms of logic and reasoning. Scaling means not just honing a skill but expanding its application across a wider domain. In the context of AI, consider what scaling entails: comprehending how AI influences our future and its potential roles. Similar to understanding how a newspaper printing press works versus grasping its societal impact mirrors the essence of scaling. It's about moving from merely acquiring a new skill, like that of a scribe learning about a printing press, to understanding how these advancements transform the world at large and moves your center of motivational knowledge. A printing press to a scribe saves a lifetime of work, but it means so much more than one person's life work being condensed.
Where should you begin? If you're not already exploring YouTube, how have you found this article first? Joking aside, navigating YouTube efficiently requires discipline to steer clear of distractions. While this resource is freely accessible, I recommend opting for structured educational platforms if you find it challenging to stay on track and discern valuable content from the noise. Numerous online academies offer specialized courses on topics of your interest at a modest fee once you're enrolled. When I say "enrolled," I mean setting up an account. Interestingly, one of my preferred online academies displays course fees at $100 publicly, but once I'm logged into my account, the price drops to approximately $15. This approach is akin to vocational training, assuming you possess the basic literacy and foundational knowledge typically received in public education. Personally, I've enriched my skill set and knowledge base in areas pertinent to my career through such courses.
I have a penchant for audiobooks, particularly autobiographies, drawing invaluable insights from the lives of those who've achieved greatness in life beyond my reach. Books grant us the extraordinary opportunity to vicariously live through others' experiences, confronting challenges and learning lessons in a manner unattainable otherwise. Experience is the ultimate teacher. It's been said that expanding your vocabulary is essential to enhancing your intelligence. The broader your vocabulary, the more adeptly you can articulate your thoughts and ideas, thereby deepening your understanding of those concepts and, by extension, yourself. Immersing yourself in the myriad lives depicted in books is a profound way to foster personal growth by living through their experiences. Just as learning new words expands your ability to express thought, new experiences expands your ability to understand.
If these approaches don't quite fit with your preferences, consider engaging in hands-on activities such as labs and practical exercises, prioritizing applied over theoretical knowledge. Google, for instance, provides a wealth of free resources and training modules tailored to IT professionals. Leveraging a comprehensive lab environment linked to your account, Google enables you to apply learned concepts directly within a practical, real-world context, enhancing your proficiency on platforms you'll likely encounter professionally.
Beyond conventional academia, mentorship stands as an excellent learning conduit. The legacy of the master-apprentice dynamic has shaped civilizations. Engage with seasoned individuals within your network, inquiring freely; the question unasked is the only stupid one. Today's basic comprehension might pave the way for tomorrow's technological marvel.
My endorsement for seeking multiple mentors cannot be overstated—opt for diversity in expertise rather than homogeneity. The adage against serving two masters speaks to the potential internal conflict from disparate guidance. However, diversifying mentorship across various life and career segments encourages holistic growth. Aim to bridge the knowledge gap under the guidance of a person you respect, or conquer personal challenges, such as public speaking, by learning from someone who has mastered this skill. Learn from them until you can close that gap. It is uncomfortable but we don’t grow in comfort.
Furthermore, embrace the role of mentor yourself. Regardless of perceived expertise, there's always someone who could benefit from your insight. Integrating into new circles often reshuffles perceived knowledge. I've frequently found myself more knowledgeable than anticipated, naturally becoming a mentor to newcomers. This mentorship not only consolidates your understanding but also enriches your perspective, forever altering how you view your own mentors.
Embracing the mentor role not only deepens your knowledge but also enhances your visibility within your field, setting the stage for leadership. It's important to remain modest, acknowledging that learning is an ongoing journey for us all. A great challenge of life: Knowing enough to think you are right, but not knowing enough to know that you are wrong. ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson. In short, no one likes a know it all, and you don’t know it all.
If finding a mentor is too difficult, platforms like MasterClass offer virtual access to experts across various disciplines, providing insights into both familiar and novel subjects. Of course if you are still struggling look for new tools. Today we have Generative AI that can act as a personal coach and expert in any field. You can simply have a conversation with a great personality that you admire. Although it is merely a simulation the things you can take away from this are very real.
The journey of self-improvement and expansion—'Upgrade and Scale'—is fueled by passion. Discovering what truly motivates you unlocks a capacity for learning that transcends traditional education, drawing lessons from life itself. This pursuit is not just personal but a societal obligation, pushing us collectively towards greater achievements.